School Board Approves Teacher Hires, Coaching Moves

By James Walling

The Culbertson School board met in regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Trustees Paul Finnicum, Eric Bergum, Mark Colvin and Ian Walker were present. Larry Crowder, Dave Solem and Lora Finnicum were also in attendance.

Walker made motion to pay the November bills, approve investments, note cash and extra-curricular balances. The motion passed.

Dallas Reiland will relinquish the junior high boys’ basketball head coach position and Beau Hyatt will complete the year. Terrence Johnson will be recommended for reassignment to the head position for approval at the next board meeting.

The parent portal of Infinite Campus was tested and will soon be launched for the upcoming trimester, allowing parents access to their students’ grades, absences and other relevant data.

The 2021 audit field work and draft report has been completed with one finding of overspent miscellaneous fund due to timing of the Board of Investment loan proceeds.

Potential moves of football teams in the south division could create a new football schedule for next year.

Following a review, posted policies were approved unanimously.

Colvin made motion to approve the resignation of Kimberly Ellis, which carried. Bergum made motion to re-assign Amy Jones to custodian. It passed unanimously.

A motion was made to hire Jennifer Struna as full-time kitchen helper and David Helmer as temporary part-time assistant maintenance. The motion passed. The fulltime maintenance position will continue to be advertised, with a starting date of March 1.

A motion was made to hire Christina Olson as high school boys’ basketball assistant coach. The motion passed. An estimate of 26 players, say board members, would precipitate a third coach. The motion carried.

Walker made motion to hire Tessa Larsen, Merissa Henry and Donna Butikofer as guest teachers, pending successful background checks. The motion passed.

A motion was passed to allow the superintendent to conduct non-school fingerprinting during normal work hours.

Colvin made motion to post Policy 1135. It carried unanimously.

Walker made motion to void lost payroll warrant #360 and re-issue. The motion passed.

Culbertson will be hosting the district music festival the next two years as well as the divisional volleyball next year.

Review of the stipend policy will be scheduled as a working board meeting after the holidays.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m.